The Rotary Club of Largs - News
Club News Archive
From the Club Bulletin, June 2008
Some Of Our Yesterdays ...
- Alex Mactaggart,
father of Robin, was the founding President of the Rotary Club of Largs.
- Our Club was
sponsored by the Saltcoats and Ardrossan Club on 7 March 1958 and the
Charter Dinner was held on 25 June 1958.
- Initially the
Club had 26 members, of whom only Bill Tyre survives.
- Altham Turner
became District Governor, 1978/79.
- Jim Miller was
District Secretary, 1987/91.
- The Probus Club
was launched by the Rotary Club on 22 November 1988.
- Neil Fraser was
Rotary District Governor, 2006/07.
Ten Years On by John Hepburn
On our 40th
anniversary, I was asked to write an article about where Rotary in
general, and our Club in particular, might be heading in 10 years time.
I mentioned the
so-called "demographic time bomb," with the increasing average age of
our members, and suggested:
First, that we
become an evening club, to make it easier for younger people, active in
business, to join. This has not happened, although Ken tried hard to
start an evening club.
The second
suggestion, and here I was almost a lone voice crying in the wilderness,
was to recruit lady members. This has at last happened and we now have
THREE very active lady members, who have increased the tone, and lowered
the average age of the Club. Will we eventually have a 50:50 split? I
foresee a lady Club President in the next few years, and a lady District
Governor before our Diamond Jubilee.
I mentioned that
Largs, in 40 years, had only produced one District Governor, Altham Turner,
and hoped that we could improve on this, which we have done. Neil Fraser had
a very successful year, and is still involved in Rotary's higher echelons;
let's hope he climbs even higher to become RIBI President, and RI President.
Go for it, Neil!
Finally, as a Club,
we do very well at fund-raising, but I feel that sometimes we forget that
one of the primary aims of Rotary is fellowship. I know that Stanley has
been very disappointed at the poor response from the Club to his efforts at
arranging outings and social events. I hope we can give him more support in
the future.
Fellowship is also
international, and I would like to see more members attending international
conferences. Those members who have done so will tell you what a great
experience it is. On the international front, I am still as proud of
Rotary's attempts to eradicate polio, which are so near to fruition.
I wish the Club all
success in the future, and hope that Helen and I will be able to stagger
along to the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.
I only hope that Bill
doesn't ask me to write another article then!
… And Some Of Our Todays And Tomorrows by Fiona
Urquhart
Well, the
Roadshow is over and the crowds have gone home,
hopefully having enjoyed the afternoon. So, how did it go?
It was certainly well
attended and we had a queue waiting outside at 12.15pm, 45 minutes before
the official opening time. I found it quite exciting to see so many people
clutching their mysteriously shaped parcels and was very interested to see
the contents. As far as I know there were no long-lost masterpieces or Ming
dynasty vases but the whole experience was fascinating none the less. At one
point the queue stretched twice round the hall and we ran out of seating,
but the vast majority of people were very patient and content to wait and
watch till their turn came. We had a good turnout of Rotarians, so
stewarding went smoothly and the Inner Wheel ladies were on hand to provide
refreshments.
The team from Great
Western Auctions did a sterling job of valuating, and Anita Manning charmed
many in the queue by stopping to chat to them. Many people commented on
leaving that they had spent a very interesting afternoon.
Timing worked out well
as the last valuations were being completed just after 4.00pm, our closing
time. Initial indications are that we took around £1100 on the door and
that, once expenses are deducted, we should have around £700. This has been
my first Rotary project and I'd like to thank all those who helped and
supported the event. As for me, an evening with my feet up beckons!
District Fellowship Challenge
Ah, well! Pétanque is not our sport; or is our French not up to it?
Bowls
A rink has been entered for the Scottish Rotary Bowls Championship on 3 July
at Alloa. The annual match against Probus takes place on Wednesday 30 July
at Fairlie.
Ferry Collection
The annual Cumbrae Ferry Collection is on Saturday, 14 June 2008.
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From the Club Bulletin, May 2008
Car Boot Sale
The next fund-raising event is a car
boot sale in Saturday 10 May in the car park of the monastery at Mackerston.
Coffee Morning
The Club's annual Coffee Morning took
place in the Clark Memorial Church Hall on Saturday, 19th April 2008,
grossing £750. Many thanks to all those who came along, and to those who
gave of their time and effort!
Bag Packing
The Club's bag packing day at Morrison's
Store in Largs on Easter Saturday (22nd March 2008) raised £1400 for local
charities. Many thanks to all who contributed!
Vocational and Youth
Three competitions are about to be run
by the Club:
S1 Presentation - 7 May 9.30-11.00am Primary 7 Quiz - 8 May 1.00pm S2 Design - 12 May (time to be
confirmed)
District Fellowship Challenge
Troon have responded to our
challenge and they have offered us a game of Pétanque which, according
to our Sports Convener, is a game that requires very little effort. (He
didn't mention "skill"!) A team of six has been chosen to do battle by 4
May.
Bowls
A rink has been entered for the
Scottish Rotary Bowls Championship on 3 July at Alloa. The annual match
against Probus takes place on Wednesday 30 July at Fairlie.
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From the Club Bulletin, April
2008
School Report from Lewis Rae
Monday morning 9.00 a.m. on 17th March, and I report to Largs Academy
with five other Rotarians. We are slightly nervous, as we have to judge the
performance of pupils from Years 1 and 2 who have taken up the challenge to
speak on a topic of their own choice, but our tension is nothing to compare
with that of the young ones. They will stand in front of their peers and we
Rotarians and speak for at least five minutes, hoping to display knowledge
of their subject gleaned from their own research and an ability to string
the words together in a clear and meaningful way.
They and we need not have worried.
It is always a serious pleasure to visit the School to witness these
performances, and so it was that we were regaled with interpretations of the
life and loves of Robert Burns, two separate and interesting stories on
keeping pets, their feeding, breeding and maintenance, and Claudia and
Nicola took us to the Theatre Club and to High School Musical. Rachel
fascinated us with the history of Greyfriars Bobby and threw in some new
facts from her research.
Winners do have to be chosen,
though, and it came to Moray with his informative tale of Aeroplanes and the
odd things done with dead chickens when testing jet engines to take the
honours for this group.
Remember, they have to talk for
five minutes and in that time we have to make a judgement on several
criteria set by the School, with notes to help us discuss as a group later.
Daunting!
So then to Third Year, who had to
present for more than five but no more than ten minutes, again on a subject
of their choice, but also using a PowerPoint presentation and displaying
their competence with the techniques involved.
We were chilled by Martin’s
account of the background to Terrorism and amused by an account of the
historical belief in Dragons. Yasmin was really enthused about her pastime
when she told us about Royal Ballet and David showed his mettle when the
computer system failed just as he got up steam to tell us about James Bond.
He calmly sought the help of School staff and got the problem resolved and
then started up at the beginning again, appearing quite unfazed as he took
us through the development of Flemings stories and their characters.
This time the winner was Chris
taking us through the life and campaign of Hilary Rodham Clinton. It was a
fascinating résumé of a complex character and a confident display of the
wonders of PowerPoint.
The school kitchen got their
chance to shine, too, and they did. Tea, coffee and juice with delicious
biscuits, freshly baked, were laid out as we sat around a table to scratch
our heads and deliberate, cogitate and all the things which judges are
expected to do.
We left at nearly 12.00 and the
time had flown by, our feet light with the joy of witnessing the thirst for
learning and development that is so openly practised here in Largs.
The Rotary Club of Largs is
involved in several competitions of an educational slant in both the Academy
and its feeder Primaries and, in some instances, the Club funds cash prizes
which are presented at the annual prize-giving events in the schools.
It is really interesting to those
of us of a certain age to see the difference in the new culture of
confidence within education. Hopefully, we can continue as a club to enjoy a
welcome within the schools and to be able to do our bit in advancing the
educational experience of the young people in our midst.
For The Record
In the Hunterston Quiz, our "A" team came second to our "B"
(predominately female) team but neither appeared on the prize list. (Draw
you own conclusions.)
Our final curling match of the season on Friday 14 March against
Ardrossan and Saltcoats resulted in a draw. Ayr won the league and Largs
finished in fourth place although only two points separated the first four.
Weel sooped, lads (and lassies)!
Phil reminds us that the Strathendrick Rally is on April 13.
The annual Fun Run takes place on Sunday 11 May.
Rotary Antiques will be valued on Sunday 25 May in Clerk Memorial
Church Hall by Anita Manning and colleagues.
The ladies of
Inner Wheel were pleased of the support of Rotarians at their recent
Coffee Morning, which raised £700.
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From the Club Bulletin, February
2008
New Member
The Club was delighted to induct
into its membership its third lady member in December 2007.
Sports Report
Curling: After winning
our first three games we managed to lose the next two. We lost 10-9 to
Alloway and 10-7 to Ayr 1. It may be that we have to withdraw from the
Curling League in the near future due to the small number of players
available to us, but if anyone wants to join us we can arrange for
tuition at the beginning of next season. Our last game is against
Ardrossan and Saltcoats in March.
District Fellowship
Challenge:
The Club has been entered again in the District Challenge and it is
hoped that members will support this competition which is intended to
encourage fun and fellowship amongst the clubs.
Speakers’ Corner
The combined Burns Supper with
the Hunterston Club was an outstanding success thanks, in good measure,
to President John, who revealed something of his past associations and
escapades in Glasgow in his Toast to the Lassies, and to Valerie who
made an excellent response in her debut public speech.
Though John claims not to be a
public speaker of any note, he radiated confidence as he trotted out a
few well-constructed verses and a succession of dubious experiences as
he pieced together his understanding of the "fair" sex - he was a bold
even to try.
Valerie had his measure in a
light-hearted exchange; though she did come up with a few facts about
the life and time Burns that were news to many present. Did anyone know,
for example, that it was unlikely that Burns ever saw a turnip?
Apparently they did not appear in this country until the 19th century.
So, in one mistressly stroke, she challenged the assumption that haggis,
neeps and tatties were the staple diet of 18th century country folk.
What she had to say about tups - well!
Planned Events in Largs during 2008
February 2008 (date to be
determined) - Indoor car boot sale
22nd March 2008 (Easter Saturday)
(provisional) - Bag-Packing day at Morrisons and initial Fun Run
Registration
19th April 2008 - Coffee
Morning at Clark Memorial Church Hall
11th May 2008 -
Fun Run
25th May 2008 -
Antiques Fair
7th June 2008 (provisional) -
Ferry Collection
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From the Club Bulletin,
Christmas 2007
International News
Polio
In 2006, 1,700 cases were reported
worldwide. A new vaccine, Wild Virus 3, was introduced in July 2006.
This year, up to 19 November, 700 cases in 4 countries were reported:
Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and in two Indian states - Uttar Pradesh
and Bihar.
In 1985, there were 350,000 cases a
year in 170 countries. Now even the Taliban have signed an agreement to
help towards Polio eradication. Nigeria has accepted and introduced the
new vaccine. "The children stopped dying after the Rotarians came."
On 27 November 2007,
it was announced that Rotary International would receive a $100 million
cash injection from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and that
Rotary International would match this sum over a three-year period in a
final bid to eradicate polio from the earth.
Rotary International Membership
Coordinator
We were delighted to learn that
President-Elect of Rotary International, DK Lee, has invited Neil Frazer
to become Rotary International Membership Coordinator (RIMC) with effect
from 1 July 2008. Neil is deeply honoured, and has agreed to accept this
daunting responsibility. Our Club is equally proud of Neil as he takes
another step in his remarkable record of Rotary service. We offer him
our heartiest congratulations and good wishes. His induction process
begins in February.
Visit to United Paper Mill (UPM) Irvine on 24 October
2007 - Report
After a welcome coffee, Eddie Riley,
Environmental Superintendent for UPM, gave a comprehensive presentation on
paper manufacture, from tree felling to paper production.
Having donned ear-phones and protective
glasses, appropriately finished in "Rotarian" blue, we were led on a guided
tour through the Mill. The Mill is fully automated, hands-on manpower being
required only if/when things go wrong (for example, a break in the paper).
Some facts and figures:
Water is
the most important process material. Technological progress has greatly
reduced water consumption. Waste water is purified in effluent treatment
plants before being released into water courses and the quality is monitored
regularly.
The energy used is from
electricity and coal. It is also generated from by-products and residuals
created by the papermaking process.
Wood:
virgin 100% sitka spruce, a fast growing soft wood providing long fibres, is
used for strength and runability. Waste is burned for energy production and
the ash produced is used in the building industry. The Mill is bound by
strict European laws, ensuring re-growth and sustainability. The total paper
production capacity at January 2007 was 12.18 million tons.
Some interesting facts:
-
basic principles of papermaking have
remained almost unchanged for 2000 years;
-
the paper machine is as wide as a
2-lane highway;
-
a finished roll of paper can weigh
up to 100 tonnes; and
there are 17 shades of
white.
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From the Club Bulletin, November
2007
Rambling Thoughts of Conference 2007 - from Norman Reid
"How would Conference 2007 compare
with Conference 2006? I suppose that was the thought on the minds of
many of the Largs contingent as we made our way to Aviemore for yet another
Rotary Conference. Going back to Aviemore is a little nostalgic for me
because it takes me back to my early days in Rotary when Conference was a
regular visitor to that area. Many happy memories abound of good quality
speakers, good entertainment and an excellent social atmosphere. Aviemore
'93 was especially memorable as I was Conference Chairman for District
Governor, Bert Cunningham, on that occasion. Over 800 delegates were in
attendance and all hotels were utilised, including the Coylumbridge.
Transport had to be arranged, and several dances in separate venues were
held to accommodate all delegates. Tickets for the Variety Show were limited
and issued on a strictly first-come basis on receipt of registration.
"Aviemore 2006 proved to be a
great team effort and I am certain that the Largs members involved will
remember that conference just as fondly in the years ahead.
"This year’s conference was a
quieter affair with almost 400 delegates in attendance. Last year we had 483
dining both evenings. The organisation was good and there were areas of
improvement obvious to me. The central reservation, which we resisted last
year, was successful. Delegates registered at the desk according to their
surname and separate desks were set up for that purpose. The 'dreaded'
wallets were available at the conference office, opposite registration, and
a very smooth check-in procedure ensued. Both evening meals were served at
the table and our experience of buffet queuing was eliminated. The decision
not to supply lunch on the Saturday and Sunday seemed to receive no adverse
comment.
"The content of the programme was
excellent. If one is looking for a criticism, then perhaps some of the
speakers did outstay their welcome. District Governor, Drew Hughes, elected
to follow Neil's example of opening the event on the Friday evening and
there was a civic reception, by way of a glass of wine, provided for all
before going through to dinner. Table settings were as last year, and we all
enjoyed a very good meal followed by a Ceilidh Dance. I am pleased to report
that the Largs contingent performed to its usual high standards.
"Saturday saw the first Plenary
Session starting at 9am, and I am please to report there was a fairly good
turnout from Largs. A good mix of speakers were on the platform and the
session finished on a high with Bob Tomlinson, communications expert,
followed by Lord George Robertson, who spoke very eloquently on behalf of
the Maggie’s Centre. After coffee the Partners' Programme, entitled 'Flowers
around the World' was held in the Peregrine Suite and I believe the speaker,
Enid Reid, a florist from the Rotary Club of Glasgow, Shawlands, proved
extremely entertaining.
"Saturday evening was billed as a
'Light-hearted Evening in the Osprey Arena'. Many delegates used the
opportunity to dress up as their favourite Hollywood film star so many
Marilyn Munroes and Elvis Presleys were evident. Your fellow Largs Club
members failed miserably in this area with the exception of Past District
Governor Neil who excelled as 'Jedi' from Star Wars. We were entertained
after dinner by the 'Big Shot Show Band'.
"Sunday's wind-up saw a short
service by the Rev. Sandy Macdonald, followed by an array of speakers,
including the obligatory delivery from RI Rep., Dr Keith Paver, and RIBI
Rep., Chris Garner. There was a bit of an anti-climax when the £3,000 Cruise
Prize was drawn and was won by Ian MacInnes, District Sports Officer, who
happened to be seated on the stage next to the District Governor's wife,
Sheila, who organised the draw. The poor chap seemed somewhat overwhelmed by
the occasion!
"All in all, a good conference
well organised with a minimum of fuss - most delegates seemed to enjoy the
experience and the Rotary Club of Barrhead should be congratulated on their
efforts."
New Member
The Club was delighted to induct
into its membership its second lady member on Tuesday, 23 October.
Growth Fund
We are again indebted to John
"Green-fingers" Smith for adding considerably to our funds, the proceeds
from selling plants. Well done, John.
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From the Club Bulletin, October 2007
Fundraising
Several events will be staged over the next few months. Yet-to-be-confirmed
events include: a Coffee Morning in the spring of next year, Car Boot Sales
during April and May 2008 (possibly at different locations), a Fun Run
staged in April 2008 [subsequently fixed for 11 May 2008], and a Talent
Competition, run with Largs Academy and the BBC (outsiders may also be
included).
Sports Report
Golf:
The Club’s team achieved a
commendable outcome in the recent Hunterston Club Charity Match over the
Kelburn course. Our aggregate score of 136 was a tad behind the eventual
winners but it was an enjoyable experience. We were certainly the
best-dressed outfit, but there were no prizes in that category.
Curling:
The draw for the opening games in the Ayrshire League pits us against
Garnock Valley on 5 October followed by Cumnock on 2 November.
Vocational And Youth Exchange
Youth
activities are dictated primarily by the plans of Largs Academy. Two members
of the Club meet on a monthly basis with the head teacher and other members
of staff to discuss Rotary involvement in school activities. The pattern of
events will not be markedly different from last year. We will again sponsor
a Euroscola, with interviews taking place in October/November. The school
nominates candidates. S1, 2 and 3 Presentation and Speech competitions
should be in January. S6 will give a Business Team presentation. S1 will
participate in PowerPoint learning.
Our
association with local Primary Schools will continue with the Primary 7s
taking part in the Robertson Trophy competition. On Friday 5 October, Dr
Skelton of Glasgow University will give two lectures at the Academy to mark
the centenary of the death of Lord Kelvin. There will be morning session for
Primary School pupils followed in the afternoon by a lecture to S1 and S2
pupils. The Club may run an essay competition for both groups "to sharpen
their attention to the lectures".
Skateboarding
The
Club has sponsored a competition for two years to the tune of £200, and the
money has been spent wisely. Next time the kids want to organise it for
themselves. Does that tell us something?
Citizen Of The Year
The
Club has agreed to accept responsibility for this event. Nominations will
close by mid-January.
From the Club Bulletin, September
2007
New Members
The Club was pleased to welcome two new members in July,
one of whom is the Club's first lady member.
Largs Town Twinning Association -
Extracts from Report
"The LTTA has had
continuing contact with the town of Andernos Les Bains in the Bassin
D'Arcachon on the Western seaboard of France just to the South and West of
Bordeaux. Since the French visit to Largs in February, there have been
several informal contacts.
"In September there is
another event in Andernos and six of us will go to Andernos for the weekend.
At this event it is the intention of LTTA that we should discuss the issue
of formalising a twinning link between Largs and Andernos with the hope that
this can be done early in 2008. Already, primary schools in Largs would like
to set up e-mail links, and since the French language is taught at
elementary level, this gives a direct contact and learning experience.
"Largs Academy have a
very forward and broadening outlook as has been shown through the Rotary
contacts with them, and a member of the Academy staff is now attending our
meetings and contributing to plans.
"We would hope that as
the twinning develops, members of Rotary would take part in visits and join
the LTTA as individual or family members. One of the ultimate aims is that
visitors in both directions would be privately hosted thereby once more
encouraging personal contact and understanding."
Fellowship
A visit to the Pulp
Mill has been set provisionally for 17 October.
Sports Report
Bowls: A team from
the Club won the Ayrshire Rotary Friendship Cup at Kirkmichael. Well done! A
second team came close to notoriety when they scored well in the Scottish
Rotary Championships at Alloa. They were placed first on the Co-operative
Green but, at other locations, higher advantages were achieved.
Golf: The
Hunterston Charity Competition has been rescheduled for 20 September.
Curling: A rink
has been entered for the Ayrshire league.
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From the Club Bulletin, July-August
2007
Extracts from New President John Watson's Report
"First, may I thank the membership
for their vote of confidence in electing me as President for the next
twelve months? I deem it to be a great honour to be President, and will
do all that I can to uphold the great tradition set by previous
presidents who have made this club such a success.
"This Rotary Year, the theme of
Rotary International is: ROTARY SHARES. I believe that this club
already has this philosophy and will continue to share in our service to
the local community and to the wider world at large through our
contributions to Rotary Foundation and in helping to finance overseas
projects.
"Our club convenors and their
committees have drawn up plans for the areas of their responsibility and
these will be published in the next two weeks. We must also SHARE
within our own club by members actively participating in the various
activities planned by the conveners.
"This year, during my presidency,
sees the Club celebrating fifty years as the Rotary Club of Largs and
therefore I believe we should make this a memorable one and do some
special fund raising. We plan a hold a special Fifty Year Anniversary
Dinner in the Willowbank Hotel on Friday, 6 June 2008 to mark this
milestone in the Club's history.
"On the funding side, the new Largs
Health Centre is now under construction and due hopefully to open in the
not- too-distant future. It is planned that we make a financial
contribution to purchase some specialised equipment for the Centre.
Discussions will be held with the doctors nearer to the opening date.
"Let's work together, share the workload
and make this coming Rotary year another successful one for Largs."
President John Watson and
President-Elect Ian Macpherson, June 2007
(photo: Grahame M Ross)
Fun Run - Peter Grant
"This year's Fun Run was very
successful, and I would like to thank the Club formally for their
support this year and in previous years. It was particularly pleasing
this year as we were able to hand over a cheque for £3,000 to Alzheimer
Scotland. Furthermore, for the first time, the total amount raised over
the years has matched the number of years we have been organising this
event. By that I mean this is the 23rd year of the Run, and this year's
collection took the overall total since the Fun Run's inception in 1984
to over £23,750.
"We look forward to next year and
the years to come when we hope to consolidate our efforts and continue
to raise much needed funds for local and national charities.
Sports Report
Bowling: The Scottish Rotary
Bowling Championships take place on 5 July at Tillicoultry, and the annual
match against Probus is on 1 August.
Golf: A team has been
entered for the Hunterston Annual Charity Match on 14 August.
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From the Club Bulletin, June 2007
Extracts from Immediate Past President Ken Thomas's
Report
"The President's year starts before July
with attendance at PETS. At this District training meeting an opportunity
arises to hear what other Presidents are hoping to achieve. My hopes were
fairly low key though by the time July came there were five potential new
members on the horizon. Of these five candidates there were three ladies,
and I felt that this would be a real transfusion of new vigour and a fresh
approach to club activities. In the event only one new (male) member joined
and he did not stay for many months! However I have to say that the club
seemed to be functioning OK in that we had a varied programme of speakers
and there were some very interesting outings enjoyed by members.
"There were two major commitments that
occupied the club's attention during 2006/07. The first and obvious one was
the responsibility to organise the District conference. As President, I was
extremely proud of the way in which most members rallied round the
conference committee. This teamwork resulted in the club being praised for
organising "the best conference in years". The success of the conference and
the work of the members will result in the club's charity giving being very
high this year.
"The second commitment that has been a
special feature of my year has been the idea of trying to launch an
extension club that would meet in the evenings in Largs. When I mooted this
idea a small committee was set up and started the process of carrying out
the requirements of the District and RIBI. We were able to demonstrate, on
the basis of the criteria laid down by RI and RIBI, that there appears to be
the potential for a new club, and this work is ongoing.
"During this year I established a fund
raising committee and this has made the raising of monies for the different
committees easier. So far this year we have held an additional concert in
October and we had a Wine and Cheese Night with a Silent Auction as well as
the annual fund raising events.
"The club has also taken on the Citizen
of the Year Award. This is a good source of local publicity and will be
enhanced next year by President John proposing the addition of a Young
Citizen of the Year award."
Immediate Past
President Ken Thomas and President John Watson, June 2007
(photo: Grahame M Ross)
Touring With Strathendrick Rotary Club
A report was received
of a tour involving over 40 cars of varying vintages organised by
Strathendrick Rotary Club. Provided Strathendrick RC can get sponsorship in
future years it is hoped that this will be an annual event. A great day out,
lots of fellowship and money raised for worthwhile causes.
Fellowship
A visit to Rothesay
Club is being planned, but there are a few imponderables. Rothesay is an
"evening" club, and the meetings last well beyond the last ferry sailing
time.
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